seem to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express probability or opinion. For example: "The sky seems to be getting darker, I think it's going to rain soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They seem to be thinner.

The New York Times

It does seem to be.

The New Yorker

They seem to be working.

The Economist

It doesn't seem to be.

The New York Times

I seem to be cursed.

Independent

They seem to be related.

The New Yorker

Viewers seem to be responding.

The New York Times - Arts

Bonuses seem to be good.

The New York Times

Americans seem to be responding.

The New York Times

The precautions seem to be working.

The New York Times - Sports

That would seem to be plenty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem to be" to express an observation or inference based on available evidence, rather than a definitive fact. For instance, "The economy seems to be recovering" indicates an opinion based on current data.

Common error

Avoid using "seem to be" when you have concrete evidence or direct knowledge. Instead of saying "The report seems to be accurate", say "The report is accurate" if you have verified its contents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem to be" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a predicate that describes its apparent state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem to be" is a versatile linking verb phrase used to express perceptions, tentative assessments, or likelihoods based on available information. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. It's particularly common in news, media, and scientific writing. When using "seem to be", it is important to use it to express an opinion, but avoid it to state something that you are sure it is right. For alternatives, consider options like "appear to be" or "look like" to match the desired nuance. The phrase's adaptability and frequent occurrence make it a valuable tool for clear and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be

Synonymous, expressing a visual or surface-level impression.

give the impression of being

More descriptive, emphasizing the conveyed image or feeling.

have the appearance of being

Highlights the external presentation or guise.

appear as

Focuses on how something presents itself, often visually or superficially.

create the impression of being

Emphasizes the active creation of a certain perception.

suggest being

Implies a subtle indication or hint of a particular state.

look like

Similar to appear, but more informal and direct.

strike as being

Indicates a particular feeling or judgment based on observation.

could be said to be

Suggests a possibility or an interpretation that could be made.

can be seen as

Focuses on a particular interpretation or perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "seem to be" in a sentence?

"Seem to be" is used to express an impression or likelihood based on observation or available information. For example, "They "seem to be happy" with the results" or "The project "seems to be on track"".

What phrases are similar to "seem to be"?

Alternatives include "appear to be", "give the impression of being", or "look like". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "seem to be" differ from "is"?

"Seem to be" indicates a perceived state, not a confirmed fact. Saying "It "seems to be raining"" suggests you observe signs of rain, whereas "It is raining" is a definitive statement of fact.

Is it correct to say "seems that it is" instead of "seem to be"?

While grammatically valid, "seems that it is" is less concise and less common than "seem to be". "It seems that it is raining" can be shortened to "It "seems to be raining"" for better flow.